Jets’ Legacy Captured in Made-for-TV Documentary

A documentary chronicling the return of the Winnipeg Jets will air today on CBC.

“Fuelled by Passion: The Return of the Winnipeg Jets” tells the story of how the city suffered when the Jets left in 1996 and how, despite all odds, eventually returned to Winnipeg.

Synopsis:

The documentary follows the players through rookie camp on to training camp, and then as they start to gel as a team as the regular season fast approaches. Featuring interviews with head coach Claude Noel and executive V.P. and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, the film gives new insight into how they make the tough choices to select who stays, and who goes. Featured player interviews include Jets captain Andrew Ladd, NHL veterans Eric Fehr and Chris Mason, along with new hopefuls: Winnipeg’s own Derek Meech and newcomer Mark Scheifele, whose explosive pre-season play allowed the 18-year-old to follow the path of his Barrie Colts coach and mentor, Dale Hawerchuk. We’ll also find out how former Jets great Hawerchuk was instrumental in leading his protégé to Winnipeg.

The flick — produced by Winnipeg’s Frantic Films — originally aired on Friday night as well, but will repeat today at 2 p.m CT.

It’s a great primer for the rest of the day, as “Scotiabank Hockey Tonight” will air at 3 p.m., followed by the Winnipeg Jets’ home opener against the Montreal Canadiens at 4 p.m.